POLITICS: Peace returns to Edo APC as suspended Chief Inegbeniki and others pardon.

Inegbeniki & others

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

BENIN CITY-The Edo state caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has intervened in the crisis engulfing the state chapter of the party and peace accord has been reached on the 21st July, 2017.

The crisis was triggered following the suspension slammed on the APC leaders from the Edo central senatorial district lead by High Chief (Dr) Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esanland.

It is recalled that the state Secretariat of the party, February, 2017, announced the suspension of seven senior members of the APC from Edo Central (Esanland) over alleged breach of the party’s constitution and harassment to her state party chairman, Barr Anselm Ojezua.

Present at the Benin residence of the state chairman of the APC caucus in Edo state , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the peace meeting were senior members of the party including; Barr. Anselm Ojezua, ( State APC chairman), Mr. Lawrence Okah ( Secretary), Prince Joe Okojie, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, etc plus the APC leaders (Edo central ) that were previously suspended which are:

*Chief ( Dr) Francis Inegbeniki
*Hon (Chief) Henry Okoroh
*Hon Henry Okpamen
*Hon Ken ihensekhien
*Chief Francis Ubene
*Mr. Imafidon Anthony
*Mr.  Agbadon Desmond.

The peace accord which was brokered as a result of the show of remorse exhibited by the affected members and the understanding that the decision was done as a deterrent for any intending member who may wish to act the same reasons why the suspensions were carried out.

It is worthy of note that two weeks ago, the committee headed by Senator Domingo Obende that was set up to look into the crises that rocked Uhumode Local govt area which led to the suspension of about 23 members submitted their report which was accepted by the State working committee. The report exonerated the Suspended members and they were subsequently recalled back to the party. With the recall of all the Suspended members, peace has finally returns to Edo APC.

NEWEST TECHNOLOGY: Young Nigerian bags certificate in automotive mechatronics in Germany.

Engr. Irabor

GERMANY-A young Nigerian, Engr.  Odijie Irabor, has achieved his life-long dream by qualifying as a technician in automotive mechatronics after his three years training course at Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Irabor was presented with a certificate on Wednesday, July 12 in the western German city of Marl after successfully completing a 3-year training course at Gelsenkirchen, Germany, during which he acquired skills across automotive-specific mechanics, electronics, communication and advanced control.

Mechatronics (Automotive) engineering is one of the newest branches of engineering, and has far-reaching applications to every sector of society. The name Mechatronics stems from mechanical and electronics and is a relatively new approach to product design and development, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer and industrial engineering.

It addresses the four interconnected disciplines used for all complex modern devices. Mechatronic systems are typically composed of traditional mechanical and electrical components but are referred to as "smart" devices or systems because of the incorporation of sensors, actuators and computer control systems. In automotive industry, modern automotive manufacturers are dealing with a growing trend to blend mechanical, electro-mechanical, digital control systems, and electronic design elements into one integrated system.

The course was introduced because of the increasing complexity of automobiles, entailing the integration of computer and communication electronics into their mechanical systems.

All over the world, specialists in automotive mechatronics are being sought after. It is the newest technology in the world.

In his chat with reporters;

" I underwent the training under Germany’s Dual Vocational Training system. The dual system involves trainees to attend classes at a vocational school and receive on-the-job training at a company." He said.

In his advice to Africans especially those living in Europe, Asia, America particularly Germany;

" I advise young Africans particularly those in Germany to ensure that they get certified training in any areas of their interests because that will prepare them for a successful career in the employment market.

 "There is no way you will be unemployed if you have a good Ausbildung (training).

“You will always find a good job as many companies in Germany already have acute problems training enough people for the continuation of their operations in the country.

“I advise every African living in Germany to learn something, because it is the lazy man that does the hardest job in Germany." He advised.

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN NIGERIA.

Kelly O. Udebhulu

-Hitches and Proffered Remedies.

Presenter: Kelly. O. Udebhulu.

All protocols observed.

Nigeria is unarguably the most populous black nation in the World. A nation in her fourth democratic republic ( 1999 till date) after series of military coups with military marshal laws enacted.

Practically, we live in a world of problems. Individuals, organizations, societies, governments, and so on, are never contented with their current states or conditions of life. They seek to make progress. But the attainment of that goal – attaining improvements in conditions of life – is often constrained by series of problems. Those problems must be solved or removed before any meaningful progress can be made. It is from this solemn view we shall look at the operation of investigative journalism in Nigeria. Societal factors work for and against the qualitative expected societal responsibilities and obligations of investigative journalism in our country.

What is Investigative Journalism?

By definition, investigative journalism involves exposing to the public matters that are concealed – deliberately by someone in a position of power, or accidentally, behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances that obscure understanding or human comprehension. It requires using both secret and open sources and documents.

For a broader look from the angle of journalism, conventional journalism depends largely and sometimes entirely on materials provided by others (such as police, governments, companies, individuals, etc.); it is fundamentally reactive, if not passive. Investigative reporting, in contrast, depends on material gathered or generated through the reporter’s own initiative (which is why it is often called “enterprise reporting”). The investigative journalist uses self-made mechanisms to source and get information for every circumstance.

From the aforementioned definition, I shall discern three types of investigative journalism. Professionally, these categories might overlap.

-Uncover scandals. Aimed at detecting violations of laws, rules or norms of decency, by organizations or individuals.

-Review of policies or functioning of government, businesses and other organizations.

-Draw attention to social, economic, political and cultural trends.

It is worthy of note that in the service of the public interest, investigative journalist's purpose is to uncover corruption, injustice, maladministration and lies. As a duty to readers and viewers as well as self-protection in a hostile legal environment, investigative journalism seeks above all to tell the documented truth in depth and without fear or favor. They are often keen in research and finding raw news from source directly.

In every investigative mind;

- It is to provide a voice for those without one and to hold the powerful to account. It's to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

-Investigative journalism is skeptical and keen to bring information that someone wants to be kept secret, into the public light.

In Nigeria or any other Nation where the judiciary is corrupt, investigative reporting is the preferred scapegoat of the powerful when they have something to hide. That is the "ugly beauty" and the "icing on the cake" in the functioning of Journalism in general.

Around the globe not limited to Nigeria only, investigative journalism is under threat from a variety of hostile forces that may seem to have different agenda to the detriment of the general public yet use similar tactics and procedures in their governance. Governments - regardless of their professed ideologies - big corporations, powerful personalities and overzealous institutions are high-jacking the judicial system and promoting a perverse regulatory framework to prop up their self-defined right to be immune from criticism and scrutiny. Attempt to infiltrate their staged ideologies and mechanisms amount to direct confrontation which must be pull down by all means.

One of the preferred tools of those institutional Goliaths playing David in the courts is the national and international law that allows a claimant to sue for libel without any need of proof that their reputation has suffered serious harm. Any reporter can be sued for libel wherever they are based over released report. Governmental interference in the judicial activities of the judiciary that supposed to be an independent arm of the government, arbitrarily add colors to every of such judgment. And any fat cat can claim millions in compensation for every perceived slight to their PR-enhanced image.

The role expected to curb the threats against qualitative journalism in Nigeria.

To successfully deliver advice to a hungry person, food on the table would play an important role. Thus, as we have corrupt government or institutional persons, so does it exists in journalism not limited to investigative journalism per se. Greed and mindset which are major cause must be handled by the government and institutions maturely .

For example, if the government and media industries want to enhance freedom of expression by helping journalism cum investigative journalism, it would do well to look beyond the commercial marketplace. There’s a need to put in place legal and social policy measures that allow more creative and collaborative models for quality journalism in the public interest and eradication of fear from the instincts of every reporter that tomorrow is sure, that is; food on the table and judicial activities is fair.

Our collective role is to build a society of ours that allows justice, fairness, integrity, respect for human rights and rule of law freely.

Thank you.

*Kelly O. Udebhulu is an Investigative journalist, a blogger and community crusader.

Alert news: Okupe quits PDP, says party can no longer bear fruits.

Doyin Okupe

Dr. Doyin Okupe on Sunday resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Okupe, a former national chairmanship aspirant of the party, was also a spokesman for former President Olusegun Obasanjo while the latter was in power.

In a statement sent to our correspondent, the Iperu-Remo, Ogun State-born medical doctor, said that happenings in the party had indicated that there was no way it would bear fruits in the future.

He said his resignation from the party was as a result of what he referred to as long introspection and happenings in the former ruling party.

Okupe said he was making his resignation public from the party because he was not sure who to direct his letter to.

PDP has been embroiled in leadership crisis at the national level following the rejection of its Court Appeal recognised National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by some of the governors and members of the party.

The aggrieved governors and some members of the party’s caucuses have pitched their tent with the National Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

Okupe said that the party was also no longer exist as a unified party in his ward at Iperu-Remo, hence his decision to publicly announce his resignation from the party.

He said, “It is with deep regret that I publicly announce my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party.

“It has to be public because the PDP no longer exists in my ward as a single unified party it was when I joined it.

“It is no longer news that the PDP has been embroiled in a fratricidal internal crisis brought upon it by itself.

“Its current direction is difficult to discern and I am convinced that even when the much expected judgement from the Supreme Court is given, the future of the party is not likely to be significantly affected whichever way the judgement goes

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Capt Felix Omokhodion, A Man Beyond Description Honors.

Capt Omokhodion

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

BENIN CITY-On the 30th day of June 2017 at the famous Festus Iyayi Hall, at the prestigious University of Benin in the ancient and historic city of Benin, Captain Felix Omokhodion, a pilot, security consultant, businessman, criminologist, innovator, human advocate, philanthropist, and a people-centric politician from Ward 4, Emaudo, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, was presented with an award of  Excellent Service by the Nigeria Association of Social Workers, University of Benin Chapter.

You may want to ask, what has this man done? Well allow me to present to you the few services behind the man.

In his capacity as the Chairman of All Niger Delta People's Congress (ANDPC) in Europe, and President, South South People's Assembly in Europe both with Headquarters in London, Felix Omokhodion ensured that the rights of our people were not trampled upon in the midst of prevalent racism and discrimination suffered by Africans in the diaspora.

However while ensuring that foreigners do not take his people to the cleaners in a foreign land, he also knew that worst fate for an African in a foreign land could come from his own people. To ensure that the peoples of Niger Delta based in Europe did not become their own brothers and sisters peelers, he put in place an efficient machinery for conflict management and dispute resolutions amongst the Niger Delta peoples in Europe under the All Niger Delta People's Congress (ANDPC) Europe and the South South People's Assembly (SSPA) Europe under his Leadership.

His work for his people did not just begin and end in Europe. In collaboration with our South South Leader and Elder Statesman Chief E.K Clark, Captain Omokhodion was strongly involved in the negotiations with Niger Delta Militants to lay down their arms and fully disarmed when the call for it was crucial to the peace and progress of not just the Niger Delta region, but also to the entire nation as a whole.

Recognizing the importance of linking the European diaspora with home, Captain Omokhodion humbly accepted the mandate of his brothers and sisters of the Niger Delta extraction in Europe to lead them as delegates to the First South South Economic Summit, which was held in Tinapa, Calabar, Capital of Cross Rivers State in 2008 as requested by Prof. Pat Utomi in the meeting with other members of his executives during his visit to London of which was chaired by Prof Pat Utomi. Professor Pat Utomi, it should be recalled was in that position of the organizing Committee, unanimously elected by all South South Governors.

Omokhodion

Captain Omokhodion is not just about activism and advocacy, he also puts a very practical face to his work for the elevation of his people in particular, and mankind in general. His renowned London Institute of Global Merchants Academy, has, and is involved in training and providing employment for Africans in general, Nigerians in particular and citizens of globe as long as they are committed to giving value to the human race.

Besides his London based *Global Merchants Security Ltd* he has been using his *Jet Response Security Ltd* to Secure employment for the less privileged Africans with particular interest in Nigerians and other minority nationals.

His interest in people upgrade does not end in advocacy, human capital development and the provision of gainful employment to people through his well established companies, he also works assiduously and efficiently in providing temporary accommodation towards permanent settlement for our displaced People abroad.

His marked role in the fight against crime through Crime Prevention and Control, Domestic Violence also played a great role in crime , Juvenile Delinquency and other anti social vices cannot but be said with a voice of gratitude.

As if his massive work abroad were not sufficient. Captain Omokhodion, when called upon to serve his government in Edo State, accepted wholeheartedly and worked assiduously under former governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the *Senior Special Assistants SSA* on Poverty Alleviation.

In this capacity, he got involved in the setting up of Skills acquisition and vocational training centers in the state as precursors to Job placement upon completion and then eventual permanent employment, or empowerment for Self employment depending on the individuals' natural inclinations. He worked fervently with his Governor in the programmes of portable water provision, provision of healthcare to rural communities, Mass mobilization of Medical Mission with expert doctors, surgeons, nurses, Ophthalmologist, and opticians, across the local government Areas of Edo State executing diagnosis, treatment and surgeries where necessary with dispensing of medicines and optical glasses all free of charge in collaboration with an American Charity Organisation.

On the Empowerment Programme as well, He Supplied and distributed various items to empower farmers, traders, Mechanics, Barbers, Carpenters, Vulcanizers, Stylists, Saloons, first aids, grinding Machines, Cassava processing Equipments, Fishing and fish processing equipment for Fishermen, Motor bikes amongst others across LGA's of Edo state.

Also on personal grounds in some communities, he empowered some Youths to start own businesses, school fees payment, payment for accommodation, Marriages, Funerals, Medical tests and treatments, pre and post natal assistance as well as assistance for widows and orphans in the state.

In all, Captain Felix Omokhodion is a man words cannot describe, he is a personality one would look at with positive emotions and express gratitude to the Creator for gracing our land and time with this kind.